The reliable and consistent fantasy football players have begun to separate themselves from the duds at this point in the season. You may think any player available on the waiver wire is there for a reason, but there are still reliable targets out there to help your team as the playoffs draw closer and closer.
Teams on a bye this week are the Atlanta Falcons, Cincinnati Bengals, Los Angeles Rams and New Orleans Saints.
Here are the top waiver-wire targets for Week 9 in fantasy football:
QB Derek Carr: 21.1%rostered (ESPN)
Carr’s stock continues to rise week after week. With another solid performance on Sunday against the Texans where he had 285 yards and three touchdowns, Carr finally seems comfortable in Jon Gruden’s system and may just be the quarterback on the future when the Raiders move to Las Vegas.
With a favorable matchup this week against Detroit, who is 26th against fantasy quarterbacks, Carr is definitely someone to keep your eye on. If you need a streamer for the bye week, Carr could be a strong option.
RB Mark Walton: 17.7% rostered (ESPN)
The Dolphins traded Kenyan Drake to the Arizona Cardinals on Monday, which means Walton’s role as the Dolphin’s premier back will only continue to increase. Monday night against the Steelers Walton finished with 35 yards on the ground but added three catches for 19 yards.
Obviously, it may take some time for the second-year back to become comfortable as a starter but with Miami struggling to find a consistent quarterback, they will look to run the ball more and more. The only problem is the goal-line work is going to Kalen Ballage. Walton is still a solid stash.
WR Allen Lazard: 6.4% rostered (ESPN)
With Davante Adams still out dealing with a toe injury and other injuries for Green Bay’s receivers, Lazard has stepped up in a big way. Emerging as one of Aaron Rodgers’ favorite targets, Lazard had five catches for 42 yards.
This week the Packers travel to L.A. to face off against the struggling Chargers and with Rodgers playing at an MVP caliber, he will elevate Lazard and other receivers going forward. However, if Adams does return this week, it is likely that Lazard will be rendered irrelevant.
WR Darius Slayton: 9.8% rostered (ESPN)
No matter your thoughts on Daniel Jones at the time of the draft, you have to admit he has a lot of potential. The Giants certainly did not whiff on this pick and Jones has been impressive, especially throwing to his favorite target, Darius Slayton.
Last week against the Lions, Slayton had two catches for 50 yards and two touchdowns. As the two rookies continue to develop their connection, Slayton is a great flex option for the remainder of the season.
TE Darren Fells: 11.6% rostered (ESPN)
The Texans talented receiving corps led by DeAndre Hopkins has been a large part of their success this season. Fells is Deshaun Watson’s reliable check down option, especially in the red zone.
Last week against Oakland, Fells finished with six catches for 58 yards and two touchdowns. As the Texans travel to London this week to face the Jaguars, look for Fells to become more involved. With Will Fuller still out, Fells could be targeted heavily.
RB Jaylen Samuels: 11.3% rostered (ESPN)
James Conner’s big performance Monday night came at a price as he sprained his AC joint in his shoulder. Samuels, who has missed the past three weeks after undergoing a knee procedure, practiced with the team last week and was limited.
With Benny Snell also getting banged up in the win, Samuels has realistic RB1 chances for the Steelers as they host the Colts, who have struggled to stop the run this season. Monitor Conner’s status throughout the week, but Samuels is one of the top targets on the waiver wire.
WR Diontae Johnson: 11.6% rostered (ESPN)
Johnson has officially emerged as the Steelers number two receiver behind Juju Smith-Schuster. Johnson had five catches for 84 yards, which included a 45-yard touchdown against the Dolphins on Monday night.
Mason Rudolph has returned after an ugly concussion he sustained against the Ravens, and he and Johnson are becoming more connected and more comfortable with each other. With Juju drawing the attention of top corners around the league, Johnson could continue to find success.
QB Daniel Jones: 30.7% rostered (ESPN)
As mentioned earlier, Jones has a high ceiling and let’s face it, the kid can sling it. Sunday against the Lions, Jones had a career day with 322 yards and four touchdowns. However, the turnovers are what cause hesitation.
He and the Giants will face a tough test this week as they host the Cowboys, but Jones will continue to get better as the season goes on and he continues to prove people wrong. There is also a chance his best wide receiver in Sterling Shepard returns this week from a concussion.
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